Best historical guidebook??

Camino2014

Pilgrim
Jan 9, 2013
70
48
Austin, TX, USA
my-camino.tumblr.com
Time of past OR future Camino
Piémont, Frances, Littoral, Norte, Ingles (completed) Baztan, St. Jaume, Portuguese (planned!)
Hello all,

I am unsure whether or not this has been asked previously, but there is no harm in asking again! :D

Anyway, I really want to be immersed in the culture around me while on my Camino next year, and knowing me, I would deeply regret just walking by a major historical area or landmark without realizing it.

So what guide book, regardless of weight, is the best/most in depth when it comes to cultural and historical notes? I have the Brierley guide so I don't need a book with a lot of maps or albergue listings. If I can find a historical/cultural guidebook, it would make my Camino feel much more complete and enriching.

Thanks! Buen camino!
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.

mspath

Veteran Member
Nov 25, 2009
11,250
48,873
France
allmycaminos.blogspot.fr
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances, autumn/winter; 2004, 2005-2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Camino2014 said:
Hello all,

I am unsure whether or not this has been asked previously, but there is no harm in asking again! :D

Anyway, I really want to be immersed in the culture around me while on my Camino next year, and knowing me, I would deeply regret just walking by a major historical area or landmark without realizing it.

So what guide book, regardless of weight, is the best/most in depth when it comes to cultural and historical notes? I have the Brierley guide so I don't need a book with a lot of maps or albergue listings. If I can find a historical/cultural guidebook, it would make my Camino feel much more complete and enriching.

Thanks! Buen camino!

Camino2014,

The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago by David M. Gitilitz and Linda Kay Davidson is a comprehensive artistic and cultural guide to the historic patrimony found along the Camino Frances. It is available through Amazon. >>
http://www.amazon.com/Pilgrimage-Road-S ... 0312254164

For additional book choices see this informative recent Forum thread >> pilgrim-books/topic13974.html

Happy reading and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith
 

CaminoJohn

Active Member
Feb 25, 2010
156
161
Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances 2006,2008,2011; VDLP, Sanabrias (2018)
Ditto Margaret and great news from the American Pilgrims newsletter!

"The classic guidebook The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago: The
Complete Cultural Handbook is now available as an e-book,
making it available for an electronic tablet and some
phones. Although its primary subject matter is the history
of each area and its art and architecture, it also covers
geology, flora & fauna and provides useful reference guides
to the saints, a historic timeline, and an informative “Arts
of the Road” guide to architectural styles.
David M. Gitlitz & Linda Kay Davidson
The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago: The Complete Cultural
Handbook
St.Martin’s Press, 2000."
 
Ideal pocket guides for during & after your Camino. Each weighs only 1.4 oz (40g)!

Camino2014

Pilgrim
Jan 9, 2013
70
48
Austin, TX, USA
my-camino.tumblr.com
Time of past OR future Camino
Piémont, Frances, Littoral, Norte, Ingles (completed) Baztan, St. Jaume, Portuguese (planned!)
CaminoJohn said:
Ditto Margaret and great news from the American Pilgrims newsletter!

"The classic guidebook The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago: The
Complete Cultural Handbook is now available as an e-book,
making it available for an electronic tablet and some
phones. Although its primary subject matter is the history
of each area and its art and architecture, it also covers
geology, flora & fauna and provides useful reference guides
to the saints, a historic timeline, and an informative “Arts
of the Road” guide to architectural styles.
David M. Gitlitz & Linda Kay Davidson
The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago: The Complete Cultural
Handbook
St.Martin’s Press, 2000."

Thank you for this information, CaminoJohn!
I'll certainly be buying the e-book version, as carrying around such a large book is a bit of a scary thought!
 
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

Most read last week in this forum

Hey all , as in approaching the Camino from Sarria I didn’t find yet the basic equipment nor the alojamiento from sarria to santiago, I have booked just in Santiago some days but I’m becoming...
Snoring (another post ...) After 4 days of seriously noisy snorers in albergues, I was getting increasingly drained during the day. At one point, I was thinking whether I can continue, whether I...
I wasn't sure I was going to post "live from the Camino" for this Camino. I'm happy to do so on my solo Caminos, but when I am walking with family, my focus is a little elsewhere and I am mindful...
Hi All! I will arrive SDC on 5/17 and need a bed for 5/17 & 18. I can't find anything ,( well, the Parador for 800eu). Any & all help is greatly appreciated. I've checked gronze and all apps...
@Monasp has just posted two tables of statistics from the SJPDP pilgrim office on their Facebook account. Numbers of different nationalities recorded so far this year: the USA being the largest...
I've been reading about the different routes etc and I have seen that the longest route is over a month, but also that some people just walk for a weekend or a few days or a week. I want to do a...

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Similar threads

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides